destructive or risky behaviour – such as self-harm, alcohol misuse or drug abuse

suicidal thoughts

Treating complex PTSD

One of the key symptoms of complex PTSD is losing trust in people. If possible, people with complex PTSD are recommended to slowly start doing regular activities, such as:

finding friends

getting a job

regular exercise

taking on hobbies

It's important to try and develop some feelings of trust. It may take some time, but a trusting relationship with a therapist will help treat complex PTSD.

Treatment from a therapist may be given in the 3 following stages.

Stabilisation

One of the first steps in treating complex PTSD may involve speaking with a therapist. They will show you how to control feelings of distrust and lose the feeling of being "disconnected" from friends and family.

Certain techniques, known as "grounding" techniques, may be able to help you separate an abusive or traumatic past from the present. The aim is to make the past seem less frightening and reduce the amount of flashbacks you experience.

With time, you can begin to experience less anxiety and learn to cope with daily life.

Trauma-focused therapy

Trauma-focused therapy may include:

certain types of psychotherapy

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)

These treatments may help you to control any distressing thoughts. The treatments must be approached carefully to avoid making the situation worse.

Reintegration

The final stage is to begin to use these skills and techniques to develop better relationships.

Medication may still be recommended if psychotherapy isn't possible or you feel unsafe.